January 6th, 2024
At the end of November, 2023, I had approached the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 62 in Vincennes, who I happen to be a member of, if they would be interested in sponsoring a bed for Dream Builders of Indiana. I was nervous, as this was only the second time I had spoken about the company in front of a group to ask for money, (the first was at the Knights of Columbus in Princeton to ask for a donation for our amazing website).
I intended it to be a quick little speech, then field any questions they might have. In actuality, it was more like I stood up and then once I started talking, I couldn’t really stop. If I had to give myself a rating from 1 to 10 on my speech, I would probably give it like a 3.5. I realize now that I would jump around a little, then would forget my train of thought, and then go back… My 2 minute speech turned into what felt like 15 minutes. I’m not sure how long it actually last, but I did answer a ton of questions.
Eventually a member made a motion to sponsor a bed build for $310 with the caveat that the bed goes to a Knox County child. Before the motion could be 2nd and voted on, I had to speak up. I informed everyone that while I would love for that to happen, it would be completely up to if/when we would receive an application for a bed from a Knox County child. I just wanted to be transparent that I could honor that motion, but would have no idea when we could make that happen. The motion was changed to simply donating Dream Builders of Indiana $310 for sponsoring a bed and they wanted to be apart of the delivery process. I was so appreciative! The FOP did not disappoint… Even after the meeting I had several members asking more about what we were doing and gave great suggestions to spread the word and get more donations.
I had every intention of trying my best of honoring the very first motion. The donation came from Knox County and I really wanted to use it to help a Knox County child if I could. On December 14th we received a bed application from Vincennes. I got with the Bed Committee and we decided to give a bed to the Knox County applicant.
I called the mom and spoke to her for a bit and told her that the Dream Builders of Indiana were going to give her little boy a bed. I could hear in her voice how appreciative she was. When it comes to the bedding, we have a few different design options, and mom said her boy would like stars and planets. I was so excited. I spend the next couple days making sure I had everything we needed for the big delivery day!
I reached out to the President of the FOP and informed him that we were going to deliver a bed to Vincennes and it was all because of the FOP’s sponsorship. I set up a delivery time with the mom and let every one at Dream Builders and the FOP know.
Remember as a kid (or even as an adult) when you had presents under the Christmas tree, but you couldn’t touch them until Christmas? That certain feeling of being excited and anxious, but a little upset because you wanted to open them, but couldn’t. That’s how I felt for about 2 weeks. I had the bed frame, I had the mattress, I had all the bedding… I was just waiting on the delivery time and date that worked out for everyone.
Finally! Delivery Day arrived!!! Matt came by my house and we started loading everything up. While we were loading, Bruce showed up! We finished loading up and rode three deep to the Vincennes FOP where we met up with Bobby and John. From there we caravanned to the delivery address.
We walked up to the door and made contact with mom, who let us all in. Then, I met Corey. Corey was playing with Hotwheels in the living room and that 9 year old had the biggest, sweetest smile on his face. He knew why we were there and he was stoked! He showed us his room and then we went to work.
We had five of us, and let me tell you, we had everything brought in and put together in no time at all. Bruce was our photographer and took some pictures while we set things up. I’m glad, because I forgot all about taking pictures. Corey stayed in the living room while we were setting up, I’m sure he wanted to be surprised by the final product! I went out to the living room and asked Corey if he was ready to see his new bed. I can’t tell you… the words just aren’t there… to describe how happy Corey was in that moment.
I lead Corey to his room… to his new safe space… to his place of comfort and rest. The joy and happiness that Corey was feeling literally brought me to tears. I was just glad everyone was focused on Corey and no one noticed me wiping my eyes. Corey jumped on his new bed and grabbed his brand new custom embordered blanket and just wrapped himself up like a burrito. The entire time we were their, Corey had the biggest smile on his face. We all gathered around and took some pictures. Then John had one more little gift for Corey. John had told his daughter where he was going and his daughter said, “You can’t give someone a new bed, without a new stuffy,” and gave a stuffed bear to John to give to Corey.
This is the reason. This moment. This is why God has been pushing me to do this. For moments exactly like this one. This little action of providing a bed to a child in need has provided a positive impact on the lives of everyone involved.
I would like to give a huge public “THANK YOU!” to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 62 in Vincennes for making this moment happen.
If you would like to make a positive impact in the life of a local child, please consider donating or reaching out to us for other ways to help.
Join Dream Builders of Indiana in bring joy, happiness, and safety to local children in need.